Book Review: ‘Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd’ by Unmana

Book Title: Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd
Author: Unmana
Publisher: Tranquebar
Number of Pages: 250
ISBN: 978-9360453183
Date Published: Sept. 16, 2024
Price: INR 338

Book Review

In the heart of Bengaluru, a murder mystery unfolds, and a fat lesbian has a chance to solve it—with a little help from her boss, and maybe a bit of romance.

When the bookshop owner above Chikkamma Tours is murdered, will Nilima, a sharp-witted, book-loving woman, seize the opportunity to investigate? Can she balance her growing attraction to her captivating boss, Shwetha, while dealing with her irritating colleague, Poorna, and working alongside Inspector Sharmila Lamani, her ex’s girlfriend? As the investigation unfolds, will Nilima untangle a web of secrets and personal complications to solve the crime?

“Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd” A hilarious mystery surrounding Bengaluru is Unmana’s Great Ltd. The story is about Nilima, a queer amateur detective who loves books and discovers the murder of the bookshop owner at work while being upstairs from our travel agency. With her colleagues Shwetha and Poorna, Nilima will be forced to navigate a web of lies, suspicious personas and personal dynamics in order figure out what really happened. It has a unique setting and some quirky characters that manage to make for pleasant reading with just enough tension to keep the readers on their toes.

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The interplay between Nilima, Shwetha and Poorna has to be one of the best aspects of the book. Nilima builds an effective witty sarcasm that runs throughout the humour and exposure of unspoken times in her struggles. Although the gradual way in which Nilima falls for Shwetha is beautiful, I wish more time could be spent exploring their chemistry. In contrast, the barely-there dynamics between the other two are disrupted by Poorna’s urge to flaunt her enthusiasm. Again, the relationship brings depth to things in a balance of loyalty and humor against all that mystery.

The plot is well-crafted, with Unmana skillfully manipulating the reader’s expectations. The mystery, while somewhat foreseeable, is performed with such delicacy that the reveal nevertheless feels unexpected. The storyline also addresses key societal issues, particularly the prominence of the queer population in India, in a way that feels natural in the context of the plot. Nilima’s transformation from a weak, inexperienced young woman to someone who knows her own strength is a satisfying character arc that adds emotional dimension to the mystery.

Overall, “Chikkamma Tours Pvt. Ltd” is an enjoyable and fascinating book, ideal for fans of cozy mysteries with a literary touch. The book combines mystery, humor, and heart, as well as a lovely investigation into Bengaluru culture. Though it may not provide the high-octane thrills of other mystery novels, its appeal stems from its characters, setting, and subtle comments on identity and belonging.

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